In 2014, Brisbane's SEED Parks and Property Maintenance was selected as the winner of the Small Social Enterprise of the Year. Steve Williams, former SEED Enterprise Director, reflects on what winning the Award meant for their business.

Brisbane’s SEED Parks and Property Maintenance (SEED) was established in 2009. Operating as part of the community development organisation Sandbag Inc, SEED provides work for the long-term unemployed by delivering commercial cleaning and residential gardening services.

In 2014, SEED won the Social Enterprise of the Year (Small) Award, which recognises a social enterprise for their outstanding vision, social impact, leadership and business practices.

Steve Williams, who was SEED Enterprise Director at the time of winning the Award, said entering was an important way of getting recognition for the hard work put in by the team.

“Winning the Social Enterprise of the Year Award was such great recognition of all of the hard work and effort our team had put in over the last five years. Being recognised at a national level gave our team a real boost in their confidence and morale, and also made a big impact with our customers," said Williams.

The Social Enterprise of the Year Award recognises a social enterprise for their performance across a range of areas including outstanding vision, social impact, leadership and business practices.

“The Award was not just about our social impact, but also how we’ve managed our finances and operated our business. Being recognised for having sound business practices is always really attractive when you’re speaking to other people in business and trying to win new work," said Williams.

“But probably the best thing about being involved with the Awards was the extra publicity for the enterprise. It's only a small operation, so being able to get national exposure for our work was a real bonus.